Oct 25 2023
Viy is a significant artifact in the history of cinema, particularly in the context of Soviet film. Released in 1967, it is widely regarded as the first horror movie produced by the Soviet film industry. The film is based on a horror novella by Nikolai Gogol, a renowned Russian-Ukrainian author whose work has been foundational …
Oct 18 2023
Last week we had an introduction to the Brumberg Sisters, and this week we have another great film by the duo, featuring one of the scariest characters of folklore, Baba-Yaga. While this fairy tale, and others, portray her as a child-hunting witch, there are some different renditions of Baba-Yaga. In Slavic folklore, Baba-Yaga is typically …
Oct 11 2023
Meet the Brumberg Sisters, Valentina and Zinaida Brumberg, both Moscow-born artists who worked together as animators, screenwriters, and directors, creating around 50 films in total. Made in 1937, this is their spooky animation of Charles Perrault’s Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale. Perrault’s version was a cautionary message to children about stranger danger. Soviet Film …
Jul 13 2023
Here’s a little treat for this Wednesday: a jam ad created for Russian Sugar directed by Yuri Norstein. It was one of a group of Russian Sugar commercials made by Norstein between 1994 and 1995 that used cutouts and drawings for the animations (a bit past the Soviet era but still delightful and created by …
Jul 05 2023
Step into the enchanting world of Jean Cocteau, a visionary filmmaker who effortlessly blended reality and fantasy on the silver screen. From his iconic adaptation of Beauty and the Beast to the mesmerizing journey of Orpheus, Cocteau’s cinematic magic continues to captivate audiences to this day. With his unique blend of poetic storytelling, stunning visuals, …
Jul 01 2023
Alan Arkin was more than an actor; he was an institution. Born on March 26, 1934, in New York City, he left an impact in Hollywood that will be remembered for generations to come. He was known for his versatility, showcasing a range of roles from comedy to tragedy, and everything in between. Arkin’s acting …
Jun 06 2023
Chantal Akerman was a trailblazing filmmaker whose unique cinematic vision challenged traditional storytelling and captivated audiences with its raw honesty and intimacy. Known for her personal and experimental style, Akerman’s films explored themes of gender, identity, and cultural displacement. Her legacy continues to influence modern filmmakers and audiences alike, inspiring a new generation of artists …
May 16 2023
Born on this day May 16, 1905 in Grand Island, Nebraska, Henry Fonda is one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood history, known for his incredible range and ability to bring complex characters to life on the big screen. Over the course of his illustrious career, Fonda starred in countless films, earning critical acclaim …
May 13 2023
Chishū Ryū (1904-1993) was a legendary Japanese actor who played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Japanese cinema. His career spanned over six decades, during which he appeared in over 160 films. Ryū’s work with director Yasujirō Ozu made him a prominent figure in the world of cinema, and his unique acting style …
May 10 2023
The Color of Pomegranates is a film that defies the traditional norms of cinema. It’s a masterpiece of surrealism and poetry that transports the viewer to a world of visual and emotional wonder. Directed by Sergei Parajanov, this film is a unique exploration of the life and work of Armenian poet Sayat-Nova. The Color of …
